Resources
In here you will find a collection of essential guides, toolkits and learning nuggets, designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve. Whether you're looking for actionable insights, industry trends, or expert tips, you'll find valuable content to drive your progress, courtesy of WE-RISE.
Public Deliverables
Official WE-RISE documentation detailing the scope, structure, and implementation of Open Call 1.
Comprehensive report describing the WE-RISE programme design and implementation approach.
This report examines ecosystem gaps and structural challenges faced by women-led startups across Europe.
Overview of WE-RISE activities fostering synergies with EU programmes and initiatives to support women-led startups.
Learning Nuggets
Learning Nuggets are bite-sized, practical learning resources designed to give startups easy access to expert knowledge whenever they need it. Covering key topics such as fundraising, pitch development, business planning, climate impact, marketing, and team-building, these materials provide women-led startups with actionable insights and tools to support their growth journey. Through a flexible microlearning approach, Learning Nuggets help participants quickly build the skills and confidence needed to grow and succeed in the GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech sectors.
Tools & Resources
A curated list of venture capital firms actively supporting and investing in women-led startups.
A collection of inspiring talks and insights from leaders and entrepreneurs to support personal and professional growth.
A practical template to help startups define, track, and measure their objectives and key results effectively.
A ready-to-use pitch deck structure designed to help startups present their vision, solution, and growth potential to investors.
A concise one-page template for summarizing your startup’s key highlights and attracting investor interest.
A comprehensive template to help you outline your business strategy, goals, operations, and financial planning.
A collection of key insights and founder reflections from the WE-RISE startup roundtable discussions.
A visual framework for mapping out and refining your startup’s business model and value proposition.
A practical handbook summarizing the key takeaways from the WE-RISE Phase 1 startup workshops.
Knowledge Bites
Presentations
A step-by-step guide to structuring a compelling investor pitch deck for your startup.
A practical guide to DeepTech fundraising, covering investment strategies, startup valuations, funding rounds, and managing investor relationships.
A practical resource covering the essentials of startup fundraising and investor readiness.
An introduction to the key principles and best practices for creating impactful startup pitches.
A guide to understanding technology transfer, protecting intellectual property, and turning scientific research into commercial opportunities.
A practical guide to exploring EU funding opportunities, understanding grant options, and choosing the right funding for your startup.
An overview of key EU funding programmes and organisations supporting startup innovation, research, development, and growth.
An overview of EU grant types, application timelines, project roles, and key considerations for successful funding applications.
An introductory guide to public procurement, helping startups understand tendering processes and opportunities to work with public sector buyers.
A foundational guide to understanding and developing an effective startup business plan.
A guide explaining the differences between equity and debt financing and how to choose the right option for your startup.
Infographics
An overview of core fundraising strategies to help startups plan and execute successful investment rounds.
A supportive resource with tips and guidance on handling investor rejection and improving future pitches.
A practical guide to creating a clear and effective marketing plan for your startup.
A guide to tracking, measuring, and clearly communicating your startup’s climate impact.
A resource highlighting key facts, tips, and common mistakes related to startup pitch decks.
Insights and strategies for building strong and effective teams in CleanTech startups.
A practical six-step guide to helping startups find public procurement opportunities, prepare competitive bids, and secure contracts.
Videos
A practical introduction to startup finance, covering budgeting, fundraising, financial planning, and managing growth.
A practical introduction to defining and communicating the unique value your startup delivers to customers.
A practical guide to crafting and delivering a compelling startup pitch that captures investor and stakeholder attention.
A practical guide to identifying challenges, developing effective solutions, and strengthening decision-making in startups.
Inspiring Voices
Discover stories and insights from female founders, investors, scientists, innovators, and other exceptional women shaping the future of sustainable industries. These voices share real journeys, lessons learned, and practical advice for navigating your path to success.
Discover how Vilija Balionytė-Merlė is driving climate resilience across Europe through collaborative innovation and transformative leadership.
Discover how Mary Lou O’Neil explores the barriers facing women entrepreneurs in Turkey and the changes needed to build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.
Discover how Jana Kukaine challenges the “Superwoman” myth and explores how systemic change can create a more inclusive innovation ecosystem for women in Latvia.
Discover how Jasminka Hasić explores the barriers between research and entrepreneurship and the support needed to empower women innovators in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Discover how prof. dr Ieva Plikusienė is turning scientific knowledge into meaningful change through interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and a commitment to creating greater impact beyond the laboratory.
Discover how dr. Mažena Mackoit-Sinkevičienė turns uncertainty into scientific discovery, advances quantum research, and inspires more women to pursue careers in science through mentorship, visibility, and collaboration.
Discover how dr. Sonata Pleskytė transforms scientific curiosity into practical solutions for microplastic pollution, overcomes challenges in research, and inspires women to pursue careers in science with confidence, resilience, and determination.
Discover how Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė turns challenges into opportunities, advances innovation in photonics and terahertz technologies, and inspires women to pursue careers in science through confidence, determination, and mentorship.
Impact Stories
Explore real-world success stories of women-led startups building scalable solutions in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech. Learn how these ventures started, grew, and overcame challenges to create measurable impact.
Discover how dr. Tatjana Paulauskienė, co-founder and CEO of Inobiostar and a participant in the first WE-RISE cohort, is turning scientific innovation into sustainable solutions for cleaner seas.
Discover how dr. Rūta Sutulienė transforms scientific research into real-world innovation, develops sustainable agricultural solutions through nanotechnology, and empowers women in science through leadership, mentorship, and the courage to take new steps.
CONTACT
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
